The Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments

The relationship between the Old and New Testaments is one of deep theological and historical significance within Christianity. Many believe that the New Testament is based on the Old Testament, but the reality is more complex and nuanced. This article explores this relationship, shedding light on the nature of the texts and the impact they have had on religious thought.

Jesus in the Old and New Testaments

In the Old Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the Angel of the Lord, a divine messenger involved in various events. For instance, in the Book of Colossians (2:17), it is mentioned that these Old Testament shadows of the future, pointing to the body of Christ, are not the real substance, which is Christ himself. This passage in the New Testament, Hebrews (10:1), further elaborates that the Old Testament's laws and sacrifices served as a precursor to the more comprehensive and perfect atonement brought about by Christ.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

It is important to clarify that the New Testament is not merely based on the Old Testament, but rather it centers around the life and teachings of Y’shua ben Yosef, also known as Jesus Christ. The central text, the four canonical Gospels, tells the story of Jesus' ministry and the beliefs of his early followers. However, the majority of the New Testament writings are attributed to Paul of Taurus, though historical evidence suggests that only four of the attributed letters—Romans, First Corinthians, First Thessalonians, and the Letter to Philemon—were actually written by Paul. The other letters in the New Testament are believed to have been authored by other anonymous writers in the 2nd century AD.

At the Council of Hippo in North Africa in 393 AD, the Christian Church officially declared which texts were considered divinely inspired and included them in what we now call the New Testament. However, this process of canonization was not without controversy and the inclusion of works that have since been disputed.

Understanding the Terms

The terms "The New Testament" and "The Hebrew Bible" (also known as the Old Testament) are not appropriate when discussing the religious traditions of Jews and Christians. The term "The New Testament" is often offensive to Jews and Judaism, as it not only implies a newer version but also a replacement of the Old Testament. Similarly, "The Hebrew Bible" is also not ideal, given that the full Jewish scriptures include the TaNaCh, comprising the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.

A more respectful and accurate way to refer to these texts would be "Jewish Scripture" for the TaNaCh and "Christian Scripture" for the books included in the New Testament. This distinction is crucial for understanding the historical and religious context of these texts.

Commandments and Divine Inspiration

Christian scripture, as defined by the New Testament, is often seen as divinely inspired. However, Jewish scripture commands those who follow the Torah to disregard such writings. According to Deuteronomy 18:20-22, the commandments to follow G-d's Torah include ignoring any non-Jewish scriptures, especially those considered false prophets and false script.

In summary, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments is rich and multifaceted. While the Old Testament provides a prophetic foundation for the New, it is crucial to understand the historical and theological nuances to appreciate their significance accurately. Understanding the differences and misnomers between these texts is necessary to engage in respectful and meaningful religious discourse.

Keywords: Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Foundations, Biblical Texts, Historical Context